Ferguson unrest takes toll on small business

Aug. 19, 2014
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Voluteers help the owners of Sam's Meat Market clean up Saturday after their business was looted following protests over the shooting death of Michael Brown. Looters ransacked several businesses. / Scott Olson, Getty Images

by KSDK-TV, St. Louis

by KSDK-TV, St. Louis

FERGUSON, Mo. - Looting and vandalism is exacting a high price for some local businesses and their employees here.

The owners and employees at a Ferguson beauty supply store are preparing to close, at least temporarily, after the store was ransacked overnight in the unrest that has followed the shooting death of an unarmed black teen by a white police officer.

"It's not worth it," Tanya Littleton, manager of Feel Beauty Supply, said Saturday. "Right now our safety is more important than anything.'

Benny Billups, who does small repairs for the store, said looters entered by shattering a glass door.

"They tried to get into the cash register, stole hair items and some jewelry," Billups said. "I'm just frustrated because these people are not understanding how this affects others when they come with this foolishness. There was a tragedy, yes, but this not how you deal with a tragedy."

Employees at the store said their jobs are mostly part time.

"I'm crushed," said one employee. "This is my living. I have to take care of my family. This is not good. It's not fair."

Littleton said she doesn't know if Feel Beauty Supply will open again. She said the owners are scared and simply want out.